As China’s diplomatic relations with several other countries, including the United States and India are under deep strain over several issues, Chinese President Xi Jinping is looking to repair its image.

The Chinese President, in what appears as an attempt to tone down its hard-edged diplomatic approach, is seeking to build a “trustworthy, lovable and respectable” image for the country.

Speaking at a Communist Party study meeting on Monday, Xi told the leaders that the country must “make friends extensively, unite the majority and continuously expand its circle of friends with those who understand and are friendly to China.”

He also said that China needed to develop an “international voice” to match its national strength and global status, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

Xi also said that country needs to strengthen propaganda efforts to help foreigners understand the Chinese Communist Party and the way it “strives for the happiness of the Chinese people”.

China’s ties with foreign countries have become increasingly tense in recent years, especially after the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic that was first reported in the country’s Wuhan city.